• Location: Playa del Mago (Portals Vells)
• Title: The Magus
• Year: 1968
• Director: Guy Green
• Main actors: Michael Caine & Anthony Quinn

Part of the group of coves in Portals Vells became known worldwide as Playa del Mago beach after the filming, in the summer of 1967, of the film with same name starring screen legends such as Michael Caine, Anthony Quinn, Candice Bergen, and Anna Karina.

A Greece in the heart of Calvià

While the literary universe of The Magus is set in the Greek archipelago, this Calvià coast ended up becoming the film’s real-life setting after an unexpected change of plans by the production. Due to the unstable political climate in Greece following the “Coup of the Colonels” in 1967, director Guy Green found the perfect location in this area. The crystal-clear waters and the beauty of Portals Vells cliffs masterfully recreated the atmosphere of the Aegean, demonstrating the astonishing ability of our geography to blend seamlessly with other corners of the world.

A labyrinth of mystery and psychology

John Fowles’ novel (The Magus), which serves as the basis for the film, is a highly influential literary work and is often cited on lists of the best modern novels.
The Magus is a cult classic that navigates between existential drama and psychological suspense. The story follows Nicholas (Michael Caine), a young teacher who arrives on an island where he falls under the influence of Maurice Conchis (Anthony Quinn), an enigmatic millionaire who draws him into a game of manipulation, illusions, and mind experiments. On this island, reality and imagination blur together in this unsettling and complex tale.

Fictional architecture: Caló d’en Monjo

Unlike other locations where filmmaking leaves no trace, here fiction became forever intertwined with the landscape. Besides the beach’s name, it’s still possible to glimpse remnants of the original sets built for the film amongst the rocks and natural surroundings.

In the Caló d’en Monjo area, situated on a point between two coves, a structure designed by architect Carlos Sobron was erected in 1967 solely to support the filming. This structure, more akin to a set than a functional dwelling, featured an atypical design for the Mallorcan coast, with a distinctly Hellenic feel. Although only the concrete platform on which it stood remains today, its presence ultimately transferred the film’s name to the cove, solidifying its current identity as Playa del Mago.

Walk along this sand and let yourself be enveloped by the same light that captivated Hollywood stars in one of the most enigmatic filmings in the history of Mallorca.